Page 75 of The Highlander's Captured Bride
Spinning on his heel, Ethan stalked out of the dungeon to the top level and then right into the fresh air and sunlight that banished the cold, dank feeling from the underground. He felt incredibly filthy just by being in Callum’s presence and craved a bath.
He shot a look to the guard near him, whose face was set in a rigor of repugnance and rightly so. Scotsmen were known for their fealty to their family, whoever broke the ancient code of honor was worse than the mud pigs wallowed in. Hurrying to the castle, he took the stairs two at a time and nearly tore into his room.
Violet was sitting at the window and jerked at his rush, darted up and came over to him with sorrow laced on her face. Wordlessly, he embraced her, pressed his face into her hair and held onto her like an anchor. When he mustered the strength to speak, his tone was low and haggard.
“I dinnae ken that he could be so evil and cruel,” he murmured.
“Reminds me of the case with the two sisters,” Violet sighed. “Greed is such an ugly thing.”
“And malice,” Ethan muttered darkly. “But I’d rather nay talk about it. I need a bath. If only I could wash away his words from me mind too.”
“I’ll call for yer water,” Violet smiled.
As she moved off, Ethan held her arm, “Ye daenae want to ken what happened?”
“Oh, aye, I dae, but I figured ye’d tell me when ye’re ready,” she kissed his cheek.
Ethan worried for a moment, “This evening, would ye like to meet me maither? I’m sure she would love to meet the woman I’m going to marry.”
Smoothing his hair from his face, Violet nodded, “I’d love naything more.”
The End?
